Class Policies

Expectations: Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience!
Since we do an incredible amount of work in class and new information is discussed each day, it makes it very important to be present and attentive.    

Respect everyone!  Literature is meant to be interpreted in various ways.  Our classroom should be one in which everyone's opinion is given a chance and no one is criticized or called names because of what they say.  I will always encourage you to speak your mind and ask questions, but rude behavior or speech will not be tolerated.

In the Classroom:

• Do not interrupt class by getting out of your seat while people are speaking.
  
• You may get up from your seat (to throw something away, sharpen your pencil, etc.) during appropriate times only: working in groups, working alone, or if asked to move.
  
• Keep your area clean: throw away all trash and recycle papers.
  
• Come to class prepared. If you lack supplies, you may have to borrow from another student. If you forget your assignment, you will incur a late penalty.
  
• Bathroom requests should be kept to a minimum. Students may not leave during the first/last 10 minutes of class or during instructions/presentations, unless there is an emergency.
  

                
Submitting Work        

• Submit your work via Google Classroom or turn on-time assignments into the Inbox (gray tray).  
  
• Absence work, Claimed and Named, Late Work, and Resubmitted Work go in the appropriate green pocket folders.  
  
• Work is NOT accepted via email unless I have approved an arrangement with you in advance.
  

Absent Policy
If you are absent, you are expected to make-up any work due. Once you return, check the Absent White Bin for papers and see me if you need to schedule a make-up test. You should be prepared to take announced quizzes and tests within two days of your return, unless I have approved another arrangement with you in advance.

Got Questions?
Students are encouraged to ask questions via email, and I will make my best effort to respond within a reasonable time. It is strongly encouraged that students use complete sentences and an appropriate tone when writing to teachers. Questions asked after 8 p.m. may not be answered until the following day. Questions asked on the weekends may not be answered until Monday morning.

Plagiarism
With the internet, it has become very easy to copy and paste work and claim it as our own.  This is plagiarism in its worst form. However, plagiarism actually includes any time you take information from someone else and include it in your work without giving credit, even if you put it into your own words.  Throughout this class, I will teach you more about how to properly credit your sources to avoid plagiarizing. Blatant plagiarism (the copy and paste type) will result in an automatic zero on the assignment. Other forms of plagiarism will be dealt with on a case-by case basis; however, they all will have a negative impact on your grade. I may not catch every single case of plagiarism, but I do catch many of them. Remember, I know how to use Google, too!


Google Document Office Hours
During the year, I will hold scheduled online office hours to assist you with major projects and papers. During this time, I will be available to answer questions through google docs.


Google Classroom/Weebly Site
Homework and major project deadlines will be posted on klsmolen.weebly.com and Google Classroom. Google Classroom links to their calendar, and students should check Classroom daily to stay on top of their assignments.
Any in-class assignment not completed during class will become homework and will be due the next day. Since this will vary by student, it is the responsibility of each student to write it in their planner. These random assignments will not be posted on the website or Google Classroom.
Please note that you parents may opt in to receive a Guardian Summary of Google Classroom, which lets them know about the status of your work.

Cell Phone Policy
Between 7:45 and 2:45, cell phones should be in your locker. Use your lock to keep your valuables safe.
Unauthorized use of the phone will result in the following:
1st offense: phone will be held by the teacher until the end of the day
2nd offense: phone will be held by the teacher until the end of the day and a phone call to parents
3rd offense: phone will taken to the office and phone may be picked up by parents

FAQs
Can I eat in class?
Out of respect for fellow students and our custodians, only water in a reusable bottle is permitted in class.

What if I have finished my work?
If a student finishes work before the bell, he or she may study, read, work on Membean, or complete a class project; permission is NOT given to use computers for videos or games.

I have a question that I want to ask and don’t want to forget it. What should I do?
The Parking Lot is a great way to leave me a note or ask a question.

Is there extra credit?
No. Please see my re-submit policy, which provides opportunities for earning points back.

Can you write me a recommendation?
If you would like a recommendation from a teacher, please submit a request at least two weeks in advance. We may ask you for additional information in order to help us write a stronger letter. Please note that teachers are not obligated to write references for any student who asks us. We strive to write references when we can be very positive and specific about students' strengths.